Christmas break started with me running away to the capital of Bavaria. I arrived in Munich with little expectations (as with all my other adventures), though harbouring some involuntary preconceived notions about the country. Knowing their famous Christmas markets were going to be up, I prepared my stomach for lots of good food - I was certainly not disappointed.
Perhaps it was the festivities of Christmas, or even the group of friends I was with, maybe it really is just Germany and Munich in particular, it was magically beautiful. Filled with good experiences, satisfied stomach and many tales to tell, I absolutely fell in love with the country (on the first night as well!).
Our visit to Munich was a very chilled trip (unwinding from a hectic Michaelmas term), not much on the itinerary allowing ourselves the freedom to be swayed by anything that caught our senses. The one thing I planned was a free tour by the Sandemann group. It covered all the important "must-see" places, blessed with an amazing tour guide who filled the walk with insights and anecdotes. It seems that every little action the Germans take has reason, history and a story behind it. This is a place with people who think deeply about the things they do.
Back to my preconceived notions, I have often heard about Germans being direct and fore-telling, in other words, not the warmest people on the planet. I wasn't bothered about it, since I was only going to be there for 10 days, but kept in mind certain things so as not to offend the locals. What turned out was the exact opposite. They were warm, funny, welcoming, charming, helpful... all good things. Look at this guy below. We were at Haxnbauer to feast on pork knuckles (didn't disappoint!), I was a tad comprehensive on taking photos but clearly the waiters didn't mind, even jumping in to get a little bit of the action. Then there was the lady who walked our lost selves all the way to this restaurant despite waiting for a bus and not speaking English. And a guard at the Neueschwanstein Castle who was pulling funny faces at us - we're 21 year olds and he 40? 50? I love them!
Beautifully divine. If you love pork, don't miss this. I would suggest that this pork knuckle be shared among a few (3-4 possibly 5). We didn't know, we ordered way to much! But it was amazing, so no regrets.
I loved Munich. I would love to go back and experience the city without Christmas cloaking over it to see if it is just as wonderful. I suspect it is.
